Open water swimmers share their stories of determination, resilience and passion.
This eBook shares 34 real open-water swim stories, told in the swimmers' own voices and accompanied by full colour images. They come from swimmers around the world who kept going through hard conditions, heavy doubt, and deep fatigue. Each one made the quiet decision to continue when stopping would have been easier.
Together, the stories reflect the steady resolve that leads to breakthrough moments, reminding us of the power of the human mind and body, and the places swimming takes us, both physically and mentally.
Who's this book for
- Swimmers training for open-water goals
- Anyone looking for mental resilience insights from endurance sport
- Swimmers wanting to read about real open-water experiences
- Anyone who respects quiet courage, inside and outside the water
What readers have to say
"Sue I truly wish everyone would buy your book ๐ you are a hugely positive influence in my journey. I feel very lucky to know you personally" ๐๐ฌ โ Andrew Horne
"Fantastic collection of stories. Easy to read, and un-put-down-able โ I didn't want it to end." โ Jennifer van Oerle
"It motivated me to complete my first Robben Island crossing." โ Ariella Levin
Featured contributors
Andrew Ford ยท Cameron Bellamy ยท Caren Naude ยท Carina Bruwer ยท Chad Ho ยท Clinton le Seur ยท Craig Nerwich ยท Derrick Frazer ยท Emil Berning ยท Francois du Toit ยท Herman van de Westhuizen ยท Howard Warington ยท Jason Lemmer ยท Jean Craven ยท John McCarthy ยท Karen Gibson ยท Karon Marx ยท Kelvin Steyn ยท Kieron Palframan ยท Madswimmer ยท Mark de Klerk ยท Martin Hobbs ยท Mervyn Bremner ยท Mike Prentice ยท Mona Van Eeden ยท Owen Sheftz ยท Ram Barkai ยท Ryan Stramrood ยท Sam Whelpton ยท Sarah Ferguson ยท Tyrone Venter
Compiled by Sue Ochse
Delivered digitally via email. Prefer a printed copy? The softback edition is available separately, posted within South Africa.
"One Stroke at a Time" (eBook)
"One Stroke at a Time" -eBook Additional Info.
The eBook will be sent to you via email in 3 different file formats to download and read at your leisure. Please note our T's and C's with regards to sharing the eBook.
The story behind the book
I compiled One Stroke at a Time during the Covid lockdowns, a strange and quiet stretch when swimming was off limits. The beaches were closed, the pools were shut, and I was missing the water more than I expected. With nowhere to swim, I turned to the next best thing: the stories of the swimmers I admire.
The interviews happened however they could. Some were done online, others in person with masks on. One by one, swimmers shared the moments that tested them and the quiet decisions that carried them through. What began as a way to stay connected to the sport during lockdown grew into a collection of 34 real open-water stories.
Among the 34 contributors are: Jean Craven of Madswimmer, Derrick Frazer of Big Bay Events, Sarah Ferguson, Ryan Stramrood, Kieron Palframan, Chad Ho, and Cameron Bellamy.
